Growing Asparagus

Aspargus officianalis : Asparagaceae / the asparagus family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
              P P P P  

(Best months for growing Asparagus in Australia - temperate regions)

  • P = Plant crowns

August: frost tender

  • Easy to grow. Plant as crowns. Best planted at soil temperatures between 16°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 20 - 40 cm apart
  • Harvest in 2-3 years. Plant 'crowns' to harvest earlier .
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Parsley, Basil, Nasturtiums, Lettuce
  • Avoid growing close to: Garlic, Onions, and root vegetables

Your comments and tips

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20 Aug 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
From seed to a crown 1.5 to 2
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22 Aug 18, Mike (Australia - arid climate)
I will try again. Plant seed - one year old - a crown 1.5 - 2 inches. Two years old a few spears - pick a few thicker than a pencil - leave the one thinner than a pencil. Three years old you have a reasonable crop.
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08 Aug 18, June Dunn (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My asparagus is now two years old and already shooting. Should I crop and eat or leave alone and also should I put manure and compost on now before spring. Thanks
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10 Aug 18, (Australia - tropical climate)
They say at 2 y o leave the ones thinner than a pencil - pick the bigger ones. Put the compost manure on now. Lay off the watering from end of May early June to allow the ferns to dry back a bit. Then in August cut the ferns and put the compost on and start watering Sept.
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20 Jul 18, Tony (Australia - temperate climate)
Our asparagus spears are shooting out already in Gisborne is it normal this time of the year? Tony
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23 Jul 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
If you water them they will shoot in winter. Mine did last year and I didn't have many spears in Spring. I stopped watering the end of April this year. Cut the old dying ferns off about two weeks ago. Will put horse manure and compost on them mid August and start watering start of Sept.
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05 Jun 18, Sharon Tomlinson (Australia - temperate climate)
I have asparagus roots that I have stored in sand for about 5 years. Do you think they would grow or do you think they would be dead?
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07 Jun 18, Mike L (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My guess is they are dead. Plant them in Sept and see what happens. If they didn't grow and die off each year then what has sustained them all this time.
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04 Jun 18, Mark Hussey (Australia - arid climate)
Mindful that its a little early to cut back asparagus shoots, but when you do ,keep in mind that they are useful in getting rid of nematodes if you dig them through effected areas
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04 May 18, (Australia - temperate climate)
wouldnt it be dangerous to grow asparagus in your garden with young children likely to eat the berries?
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Showing 141 - 150 of 338 comments
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In cooler climates asparagus normally yellows and dies back in the winter as you say. in the spring if the spears are left they will grow on to form the big ferny tops that we are familiar with. The plant uses these tops along with manure or compost to regenerate the roots in readiness for next springs crop. You could try bending these over so they are bruised and nearly broken off to force the plant into dormancy. If you cut them off the plant may just send up some more spindly spears.

- John

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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